Want to Improve the Quality of Your Welds? Shine A Little More Light On Your Project

Having trouble getting welds to look like you want them to look? Maybe it’s because you can’t see what you’re doing.

Controlling the “puddle” of molten metal is key to good welds. Welders often assume the bright light of a welding arc is “self-illuminating,” but in reality, weld quality is greatly improved if the area around the arc is well lit. Because welding is often done inside the dark nooks and crannies of machinery, or in dark corners of machine sheds or shops, additional illumination can dramatically improve the quality of welds.

Simply shining a mechanic’s light or flashlight on an area to be welded can help keep weld beads in line and puddles the proper size and shape. Special lights designed for welding also improve illumination.

Steck’s MIG welding light clips onto the handle of a MIG welding gun and aims an LED light directly at the area being welded.

Life Mounts’ welding helmet light slides/clips onto the edge of a welding helmet (or hard hat) to aim a small LED flashlight toward the work area. Both lights are available through Amazon for around $35.

Another tip that can improve weld quality is to get your welding helmet close to what you’re welding. People instinctively keep their distance from the intense light, heat and sparks of welding. There’s a reason you hold a fishhook close to your face when tying a knot, and for the same reason, welds are improved when you keep a “close eye” on the welding process. A good welding helmet will protect the user from ultraviolet rays, heat and sparks, and allow close, precise monitoring of the welding process.